Tenth major release of Windows NT, released in 2015
"Windows 9" redirects here. For the series of operating systems produced from 1995 to 2000, see Windows 9x. For the related operating system for mobile devices, see Windows 10 Mobile.
110 languages[8][9]
(Specific language packs included on the device depend on the mobile operator (for cellular connected devices) or device manufacturer. Additional language packs are available for download on the Microsoft Store, pursuant to manufacturer and carrier support.)
Exceptions exist for LTSC versions & some editions, along with some hardware configurations, until at most January 13, 2032, See § Support lifecycle for details.
Windows 10 is a major release of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system. The successor to Windows 8.1, it was released to manufacturing on July 15, 2015, and later to retail on July 29, 2015.[21] Windows 10 was made available for download via MSDN and TechNet, as a free upgrade for retail copies of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users via the Microsoft Store, and to Windows 7 users via Windows Update. Unlike previous Windows NT releases, Windows 10 receives new builds on an ongoing basis, which are available at no additional cost to users;[a] devices in enterprise environments can alternatively use long-term support milestones that only receive critical updates, such as security patches.[22][23]
In contrast to the tablet-oriented approach of Windows 8, Microsoft provided the desktop-oriented interface in line with previous versions of Windows in Windows 10. Other features added include Xbox Live integration, Cortana virtual assistant, virtual desktops and the improved Settings component. Windows 10 also replaced Internet Explorer with Microsoft Edge. As with previous versions, Windows 10 has been developed primarily for x86 processors; in 2018, a version of Windows 10 for ARM processors was released.[24]
Windows 10 received generally positive reviews upon its original release, with praise given to the return of the desktop interface, improved bundled software compared to Windows 8.1, and other capabilities. However, media outlets had been critical to behavioral changes of the system like mandatory update installation, privacy concerns over data collection and adware-like tactics used to promote the operating system on its release.[25] Microsoft initially aimed to have Windows 10 installed on over one billion devices within three years of its release;[22] that goal was ultimately reached almost five years after release on March 16, 2020,[26] and it had surpassed Windows 7 as the most popular version of Windows worldwide by January 2018, which remains to be the case in 2024,[27] and with a 46% share is also the most-used traditional PC operating system.[28]
Cite error: There are <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or {{efn}} templates on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} template or {{notelist}} template (see the help page).